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As a result of decoupling, farmers will have to take every opportunity to make their farming operations as cost effective as possible. Soil analysis is an essential tool in this area. It provides reliable information on the nutrient status of soils that can be used as a guide when selecting the type and quantity of fertiliser to apply for efficient grass production.

Soil analysis information allows the correct combination of fertilisers to be used to meet crop requirements, taking into account the level of nutrients already present in the soil. The analysis also allows farmers to make the most efficient use of slurries or manures produced on the farm. With the current publicity on problems being created by excess nitrates and phosphates leaching into waterways, having a regular soil analysis carried out makes good sense, both from an economic and environmental point of view.

Nutrient levels do not change rapidly so it is not necessary to sample soils the same area every year. As a general recommendation soil analysis should be carried out on permanent grassland every five to six years and for cropping land every four to five years.

Three key factors are determined by soil analysis – soil pH (level of acidity) and soil phosphate and potash levels.

The efficient uptake of fertiliser, especially nitrogen and phosphorous, is greatly enhanced when soils have a satisfactory pH level. The ideal pH for grass production on most soils is within the range 6.0 to 6.5. Analysis will determine the pH of the soil and indicate how much lime is required to bring the pH back to the desired level. With lime costing £12 per ton spread and most farmers applying over 5 tonnes per hectare (2 tonnes per acre) it makes good business sense to check the soil pH level before applying lime.

The ideal target for soil phosphate level in grassland is Index 2 or 3. Production will be reduced at Index 1 where intensive grazing or silage systems are in operation, although for extensive grazing systems, which are common on many beef and sheep farms, a phosphate Index level of 1 is quite adequate. At higher Index levels there is an increased risk of phosphate leaching from soils and in general the aim should be to have soil phosphate level at Index 2 and maintain it at that level.

Potash levels are often low on many farms, particularly on cutting areas where two cuts of silage are taken. This is because large amounts of potash are removed in the herbage at harvesting and reserves of potash must be maintained either through slurry or potash fertiliser. Low potash levels lead to thinning out of productive grasses and ultimately lower yields, especially in dry years. The ideal soil potash level is Index 2, both for grazing and silage.

A number of farmers have now successfully completed or are currently taking part in the "Grass Challenge for Beef and Sheep Farmers" which is one of the suite of Challenge programmes developed at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus. The programme, which is delivered on an informal group basis, highlights the importance of putting into practice good grassland management principles under the topic areas – nutrient management, silage production, grazing management, sward improvement and forage review.

Carrying out a soil analysis, on at least a representative area of the farm, is ideal preparation for those interested in undertaking the Challenge. Your local DARD beef and sheep adviser will be pleased to provide further details.

Soil testing should be carried out over the winter months and certainly before any slurry or inorganic fertilisers are applied. Provided the area being sampled is reasonably uniform one sample should cover an area of approximately 4 hectares (10 acres). Sampling equipment and guidance on the sampling procedure is available at DARD Development centres.

Frank Foster, Beef and Sheep Development Adviser, Dungannon discussing soil analysis results with Aiden Fox, Dungannon

A series of meetings have been planned around the province to outline the details of the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme which is to be announced on 26 January 2005.

Dates and venues are as follows:

27 January - Greenmount Campus, Antrim

1 February - Bushtown House Hotel, Coleraine

2 February -Millbrooke Hotel, Ballynahinch

3 February -Loughry Campus, Cookstown

8 February -Enniskillen Campus, Ennioskillen

9 February -Armagh City Hotel, Armagh

10 February -Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh